Assessment First Remedial Massage Therapy
Nerve Mobilization
If you suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome, or you have sciatic pain down your leg -- then Nerve Mobilization is the therapy you should consider.
It is different then most forms of treatment. Nerve Mobilization is a way of thinking about the body that uses the nervous system as a frame of reference. This is often helpful whenever one is experiencing tingling, numbness and other "nervey" sensations.
The length, elasticity and irritability of the nerves and spinal cord are used to guide treatment and home care decisions.
Neural tension tests are used to physically assess nerves. There are conventional tests like the straight leg raise that are often used to identify when a nerve is irritated.
What is unique to Nerve Mobilization are the sensitizing movements that are used to identify which branches of a nerve are affected as well as where they are most compromised. This approach has been explored most fully by David Butler, PT. For more information on David Butler's approach go to the Neuro Orthopaedic Institute at http://www.noigroup.com
Clients Often Have Homework
While hands on interventions often reduce inflammation, compression and adhesions, clients often have to meet the therapist at least half way in order to heal. Some types of homework are relatively easy, like daily stretching, while other homework can be uncomfortable or even difficult to perform.
Sometimes, clients need to improve their posture and even learn to breathe in a different pattern. Clients with back pain and sciatica often need to learn how to awaken muscles that have been asleep in their abdomen and low back, and use them again. Your therapist can help you determine which exercises are likely best for you.
I've had great success with clients in Okotoks and Conquest, Saskatchewan. I even helped one person avoid have surgery to repair the carpal tunnel. So if you want to stop suffering from numb fingers and thumb, seriously consider this unique treatment.
Nerve Mobilization is taught by Doug Alexander, the founder of The Journal of Soft Tissue Manipulation and an instructor at Algonquin College in Canada.
To find out more, check out his nerve mobilization website.